Farooq Abdullah Stresses Two-Thirds Majority Needed for Constitutional Amendments
Synopsis
In a recent statement, Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, highlighted the necessity of a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments proposed by the BJP-led government, urging them to listen to the people's voice amid ongoing delimitation discussions.
Key Takeaways
Farooq Abdullah stresses the need for a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments.
The J&K delimitation process has faced criticism from regional parties.
Abdullah highlights past injustices in delimitation procedures.
He expresses support for Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming West Bengal elections.
Abdullah comments on the US's role in pursuing peace in West Asia.
Srinagar, April 17 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and current president of the National Conference (NC), Farooq Abdullah, emphasized on Friday that any constitutional amendment Bills presented in the Lok Sabha by the BJP-led Central government necessitate a two-thirds majority for approval.
In discussions with journalists, Abdullah reiterated that a constitutional amendment Bill demands a two-thirds majority, which he claims the ruling party at the Centre currently lacks.
“A constitutional amendment Bill requires a two-thirds majority, which the ruling party at the Centre does not have. They need to comprehend this and heed the voices of the populace,” the senior Abdullah stated.
When addressing inquiries regarding the delimitation matter, Abdullah expressed skepticism about the Central government’s motives for pursuing another round of delimitation.
“You are aware of the unjust delimitation process in J&K. I am uncertain how they will proceed this time,” he remarked.
It is important to note that during the 2022 delimitation exercise in J&K, led by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, electoral boundaries were reconfigured based on the 2011 Census. This process expanded the number of Assembly seats from 83 to 90 (with 43 in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir) and allocated nine additional seats for Scheduled Tribes and seven for Scheduled Castes.
This initiative, sanctioned by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, also established five parliamentary constituencies.
The current J&K Assembly consists of 90 elected seats, alongside 24 reserved for Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Jammu division acquired six seats, while the Kashmir division added one seat. The Anantnag-Rajouri constituency was formed by merging areas from the Jammu region with Kashmir.
This delimitation exercise faced significant backlash from regional parties, including the PDP, which accused the process of being politically motivated. This marks the first delimitation in J&K since 1995, as previous exercises had been halted to synchronize with the national schedule.
Commenting on the West Bengal elections, Abdullah stated: “Mamata Banerjee will emerge victorious in these elections; our best wishes are with her.”
Regarding the conflict in West Asia, he noted that it seems the US has opted for peace in the region.
“It appears that the US has chosen to pursue peace in the area. Rationality should prevail, and tranquility should return. This is in everyone's interest,” he concluded.
Point of View
Farooq Abdullah's remarks underscore the ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape. His emphasis on the need for a two-thirds majority reflects broader concerns about government accountability and the representation of regional voices in constitutional matters.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Farooq Abdullah say about constitutional amendments?
Farooq Abdullah states that constitutional amendment Bills introduced by the BJP-led government require a two-thirds majority to be passed, which he claims the ruling party lacks.
What is Abdullah's view on delimitation?
He expresses skepticism about the Central government's intentions regarding a new delimitation process, citing past injustices during the previous delimitation.
How many Assembly seats are there in J&K after the 2022 delimitation?
The 2022 delimitation increased the total number of Assembly seats from 83 to 90, with 43 in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir.
What did Abdullah say about the West Bengal elections?
He expressed confidence that Mamata Banerjee will win the elections, extending his best wishes to her.
What is Abdullah's stance on US involvement in West Asia?
He noted that it seems the US has opted for peace in West Asia, emphasizing the need for rationality and tranquility in the region.
